Aug 7, 2009 10:30:41 AM

By Renew Life

Good Intentions, opposite Effect?

It's human nature. When your children are sick, you want to do
everything possible to make them better, and that often means a
trip to the pediatrician for a prescription. But what if your
good intentions are having the opposite effect? All too often
parents head to the doctor at the first sign of a sneeze or
sniffle, resulting in about 30 million antibiotic prescriptions
for children every year, according to researchers at the Boston
University School of Medicine.

What many parents don't understand, however, is that while
antibiotics can often help overcome infection, they specifically
target bacteria-not viral infections. This is particularly
important, since the majority of common colds, flu, coughs,
bronchitis, runny noses and sore throats (with the exception of
strep) are viral, and thus impervious to antibiotic treatment.

Repeated Antibiotic Use

According to the Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work campaign
developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), taking antibiotics for viruses such as colds, flu and most
cases of bronchitis will not cure the infection, nor will they
help your child feel better or keep other individuals from
catching the illness. Over time, warns the CDC, repeated
antibiotic use can actually lead to antibiotic resistance, which
can "…cause significant danger and suffering for people
who have common infections that were once easily treatable with
antibiotics". Further, although the main purpose of antibiotics
is to kill harmful bacteria, they often kill the existing
beneficial bacteria as well, which can result in diarrhea and
other intestinal issues.

Try a Different Booster: Probiotic Supplements & Probiotic
Support Foods

Rather than relying on antibiotic treatment as the first line of
defense, many experts recommend taking a daily probiotic
supplement to promote digestive health and boost the immune
system. Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain live
microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that support a healthy balance
of intestinal flora (roughly 80% good to 20% bad bacteria), which
in turn supports the overall health of the body. Because the
overuse or misuse of antibiotics can allow yeast to proliferate
in the body and alter that healthy balance, probiotic support is
especially important during and after a course of antibiotics.

In her book, Digestive Wellness for Children, Elizabeth Lipski,
Ph.D, C.C.N writes, "In a recent study of children aged one to
six years with acute infections and taking antibiotics, those
also given probiotic supplements recovered somewhat faster, were
able to eat better, and had increased weight gain." Lipski goes
on to say that, "In older children, probiotics help prevent
symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation;
reduce intestinal inflammation; enhance growth; and generally
make the child's health heartier."

During illness, children should also get plenty of rest and
fluids to help speed the body's natural healing process. Sprays
and lozenges may be used to help relieve nasal congestion and
soothe a sore throat, and cool mist vaporizers and natural chest
rubs may also help ease congestion.